Dubai: Pakistan's star batsman Younus Khan might be harsh on bowlers but very few know he has a soft side towards cricketers who are unable to play the game.
Khan had launched the Pakistan national team for physically disabled cricketers and even supports their initiative. This team has arrived here to play three One-day Internationals and two Twenty20 matches against England's team with physical disability from February 11 to 19 at the International Cricket Council Global Cricket Academy grounds.
Soon after launching the Pakistan team, Khan had appealed to the Pakistan Cricket Board and even citizens to come forward and help establish the team. "The most important part of this campaign is that disabled people can't be ignored as they are part of our daily life," said Khan.
England 15 member squad will be led by James Williams while Pakistan captain is Salim Karim. Some of the players in both the teams are exceptionally talented. Farhan Saeed, a fast bowler from Karachi and an amputee generates good pace jumping onto a crutch in order to deliver the ball.
England has Callum Flynn, who has a replacement knee following a battle with bone cancer and pacer Daniel Holder, who has played for county side Gloucestershire's second eleven despite the absence of his left hand and forearm. Incidentally, Pakistan skipper Karim right leg is withered by polio and his left leg was damaged in an accident. He has been a driving force of the Pakistan team which he assembled in 2006 by funding that team's activities out of his own pocket.
"The series will start with the T20 next Saturday and Sunday (February 11 and 12 February), with 40-over ODIs on February 14, 17 and 19. Entrance is free to see this unique cricket contest," said Maqbul Dudhia, General Manager - Sports Business for Dubai Sports City.
